Deadly Attacks Take Place as Both Countries Prepare for Crucial Political Transitions; Taliban Launch Spring Offensive

Pakistan and Afghanistan plunged into violence this weekend as deadly bombings rocked Pakistan ahead of May's elections, and the Afghan Taliban launched new attacks to mark the beginning of their spring offensive, killing a provincial security chief.

The fresh bloodshed across the region comes as both countries face crucial political transitions. Pakistan is preparing for national elections on May 11 that could shore up civilian...